The 1973 volume (R280.73) is the first fully “Hornby Railways” model-railways edition after the Tri-ang label faded, setting a more consistent, enthusiast-facing tone. It consolidates core BR/“Big Four” subjects and prunes the novelty fringe.
Range themes. The publication lists 9 train sets, 22 steam and 5 diesel/electric locomotives, emphasizing staple subjects like A3 “Flying Scotsman,” 9F “Evening Star,” Black Five, Hall, LMS/ Southern tanks, and BR blue Brush/Type 2 coverage. The set roster—R.504 Inter-City Express, R.506 Express Freight, R.508 Flying Scotsman—cements a pragmatic, layout-ready approach.
Notable models & re-liveries. A broadened LNER/LMS steam spread (e.g., R.450 Fowler 2P, R.759 Hall and R.354 “Lord of the Isles”) sits with a compact diesel page—Classes 08, 31, 35, 37—signaling sustained steam nostalgia alongside BR blue traction. [hornbyguide.com] Scenic & accessories. The 1973 catalogue carries full coach/wagon families (24 passenger, extensive vans/tanks/bolsters), ideal for matching consist research; period pages confirm buffet/RMB and crimson-cream BR corridor options.
Why 1973 Still Resonates with Collectors
It marks the clean break to “Hornby Railways,” yet retains the classic roster—prime territory for sourcing early-’70s toolings in consistent catalogue-documented liveries, with set codes that help corroborate boxed examples.